C1 Chapter One

The gathered guests sat in silence, their eyes fixed on Hailey and Landon. The room was filled with soft floral arrangements and candles, giving the space a gentle, romantic ambiance, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath for this moment.

Hailey looked across the aisle, her heart racing as she met Landon’s steady gaze. Her dress flowed around her, delicate lace hugging her shoulders, while her veil trailed behind. She could hardly believe this moment was real. Landon stood, his eyes brimming with quiet emotion, hands slightly trembling as he waited for her. It was as if time slowed, and they were the only two people in the world.

When Hailey finally got to him, the officiant begin the ceremony. He spoke with warmth and reverence, guiding them through the sacred promises they were about to make. And then, it was time for their vows.

Landon took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving Hailey’s. He reached for her hands, nervously, and began, his voice laced with emotions. “Hailey, from the moment I met you, you became my light, my happiness, my peace of mind. With you, I found the kind of love I thought only existed in fairy tales. Today, I promise to stand by you, to protect you, and to cherish you, for every tomorrow we’ll ever have. I vow never to stop loving you no matter where life takes us. I feel complete with you, and today I give you all that I am and all that I have. Forever.”

Hailey’s eyes glisten with tears as he spoke, and she squeezed his hands, drawing strength from his warmth.

She took a steadying breath, looking up into his eyes. “Landon, you are my heart’s home, the joy I never dared to dream of. With you, I am free to be myself, to love with every piece of who I am. You are my best friend, my partner, and the love of my life. Today, I promise to stand by your side through every challenge, every joy, and every moment. I promise to believe in you, and to never let go of this love we’ve found. I give you my heart and every tomorrow, with every beat of my soul,” Hailey promised, her own voice filled with fierce love as she said her vows.

There was a soft murmur of emotions in the room as Hailey finished. Their hands, still linked, felt like an unbreakable bond; a promise written in the heart rather than on paper.

They exchanged rings, sealing their promises. The officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and a joyful cheer rose from their family and friends. Landon’s fingers gently brushed Hailey’s cheek as he pulled her close, their first kiss as husband and wife filled with the magic of their new beginning.

Hours later, the reception and farewells had flown by in a joyful blur, and they found themselves on Landon’s private jet bound for Miami, ready to begin their honeymoon.

Landon turned to face her, his eyes twinkling. “I can’t believe we finally did it,” he whispered, brushing a stray lock from her cheek. “Mrs. Landon Cooper, welcome aboard.”

Hailey’s laughter was a mix of warmth and joy. “Mrs. Cooper,” she repeated, letting the words linger on her lips as she gazed up at him. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to hearing that.”

“You better. Because I plan on saying it every chance I get,” Landon replied, his voice low as he pulled her closer.

They laughed together as they remembered their day, holding hands as the jet soared through the clouds.

***

Landon and Hailey arrived at a luxurious lodge in Miami. The lodge overlooked the sparkling Miami coast, with soft, golden lighting and a gentle breeze filtering in through the balcony doors. The suite was everything Hailey dreamed of; a lavish blend of modern elegance and quiet intimacy, promising them a night filled with the magic of their newfound forever.

They stood by the window, bathed in the soft glow of the city lights, lost in each other’s gaze. Landon wrapped his arms around Hailey, his fingers tracing gentle patterns along her back.

“Mrs. Cooper,” Landon murmured with a playful smile, as though savoring every syllable. “Welcome to our honeymoon.”

Hailey giggled. “Mr. Cooper, please bear it in mind that I’m expecting a lot of surprises from you,” she said teasingly.

“Surprises? You have no idea what awaits you, dear wifey,” Landon whispered, his lips brushing hers, tender at first but quickly deepening with the passion they’d held in check all day.

Landon’s hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer, his touch igniting the familiar warmth that only he could spark. The room seemed to dissolve around them, leaving only the two of them wrapped in each other’s arms.

As they made their way to the bedroom, Hailey couldn’t help but let her eyes roam over the space. The bed was draped in soft, luxurious linens, a subtle invitation to lose themselves in each other.

Landon paused, turning to face her, his gaze intense and unwavering. “I’ve waited for this moment,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His hands found hers, and he guided her fingers up to his chest, where she could feel the rapid beat of his heart beneath her touch.

“So have I,” Hailey replied, her voice equally soft, a smile breaking across her face as she felt his heartbeat sync with her own.

They sank into the bed, their bodies tangling together as the rest of the world faded. Landon’s lips traced a path down her neck, each kiss leaving her breathless and aching for more. His hands explored her body with a reverent touch, like he was memorizing every curve, every sigh, every shiver.

In that moment, it was as if they were the only two people in the world. The soft sheets tangled beneath them as they moved together, each kiss building upon the last with strong passion and promise. Their bodies moved in sync until they both reached a climax.

Afterward, Hailey lay in Landon’s arms, tracing patterns across his skin as they lay together, enjoying quiet peace in the room. Outside, the waves lapped at the shore, a steady reminder of the endless ocean beyond, but Hailey felt like she had all she needed in the world right there beside her.

Landon looked down at her, his fingers brushing along her hair. “I still can’t believe you’re mine,” he whispered, his voice tender.

Hailey smiled, feeling her heart swell. “Forever,” she whispered back.

Landon ran his fingers through Hailey’s hair, a soft smile playing on his lips as he pulled her closer. The silence between them was warm and comfortable, each content just to be in the other’s arms.

“Do you ever think about the future?” Hailey asked softly, tracing a finger along his arm. “What it’ll be like… maybe when we have kids?”

A glimmer appeared In Landon’s eyes, and he chuckled. “I do. I think about it all the time. Just imagine it; waking up every morning to you, filling our home with laughter… maybe two or three little ones running around.” He paused, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “I want it all, Hailey. Everything with you.”

Hailey’s eyes sparkled. “You’ll be a wonderful dad, you know. You already look at me with so much love, I can only imagine how you’ll be with them.”

“And you too,” Landon said, his gaze unwavering. “You’ll be the most amazing mom, Hailey. I can already picture you teaching them to read, baking cookies with them… loving them the way you love me.”

Hailey grinned as she looked up at him. “I’m thinking two kids, at least. One boy and one girl,” she said, her eyes bright with excitement. “And you’ll be the dad who sneaks them extra dessert after I’ve said no.”

“Guilty as charged,” Landon replied, laughing. “I’m already imagining our little girl twisting me around her finger, and our boy trying to be just like his dad.”

They lay there together, whispering dreams of the life they’d create. They talked of names, places they would visit as a family, and the legacy they’d build. They were lost in a world they were only beginning to discover, a world where love was limitless.

As they drifted to sleep, both felt the weight of their vows, of their promises and dreams, settling in. Tonight, their journey had only just begun. So they thought.

***

The days passed in a blur, and it was already a week since Landon and Hailey made their vows. Their honeymoon had ended, but the glow of their time in Miami lingered. They stepped off the jet, hands entwined, sharing a look that spoke volumes. After a week of sun-soaked beaches, late-night laughter, and promises whispered in the dark, they felt more connected than ever.

Their driver, Jeremy, greeted them with a smile at the curb and took their bags, loading them into the back of the car. As they slid into the back seat, Hailey settled against Landon, her head resting comfortably on his shoulder.

“Home sweet home,” Hailey murmured, her fingers tracing circles on his hand.

Landon grinned, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “It’s funny, only a week away, but it feels like we’ve been gone forever.”

“Well, a honeymoon does that to you,” Hailey teased, nudging him playfully. “Maybe we’ll need a second one to recover from this one.”

“Oh, I like the way you think,” Landon chuckled, tilting her chin up to steal a quick kiss. “Where to next? Madrid? Seychelles?”

“Anywhere with you,” Hailey whispered, her voice soft, barely audible.

Landon pulled her close, their fingers lacing together as they talked of the little things; plans for their new home, how much they’d missed their favorite date spots, and what it would be like to settle into a routine as husband and wife.

Their laughter echoed through the car, filling it with warmth. The world felt simple, happy, and full of promise. But as they laughed, a subtle shadow passed over Jeremy’s face in the front seat. Hailey barely noticed, wrapped up in her husband’s embrace.

They were approaching a narrow turn on the highway, lined with towering trees on either side. The late afternoon light filtered through the branches, casting dappled shadows over the road. Landon tightened his grip on her hand, leaning in to murmur, “This is just the beginning, Hailey. We have so much to do together.”

Hailey smiled, feeling a surge of happiness so pure it almost felt unreal. She leaned in for a kiss, savoring the warmth of his lips, his hand cupping her cheek as if he’d never let her go.

Just as their lips parted, the air suddenly shifted.

Jeremy’s gaze flickered to the rearview mirror, his eyes widening. He barely managed to choke out a warning. “Hold on!” He yelled and then within a fleet of a second, the screech of tires tore through the air as the car lurched violently.

Time seemed to slow as Hailey’s mind barely registered what was happening. Her grip on Landon tightened as the car skidded sideways, the world around them spinning into a blur of shattered glass, metal grinding against metal, and haunting silence.

Then–darkness.

**

Hailey opened her eyes, blinking against the harsh lights above her. A dull pain pulsed through her head, but as she looked around, she realized she was lying in a hospital bed. Memories came rushing back; their honeymoon, the laughter in the car, the sudden crash. Panic clawed at her chest.

“Landon?” Hailey whispered, forcing herself upright, ignoring the sharp sting in her shoulder. “Where’s my husband?”

A nurse appeared, her face calm but cautious as she placed a gentle hand on Hailey’s shoulder. “Mrs. Cooper, please lie back. You were in an accident, but you’re going to be alright.”

“No.” Hailey shook her head, frantic now. “Landon. Where’s Landon?”

The nurse’s expression faltered, and she looked away for a split second. “Your husband…”